Attraction Guide: Ross Island, Port Blair, India

Ross Island Guide

Echoes of the Past: Explore the Ruins of Ross Island Guide

Step back in time and explore the haunting ruins of Ross Island, now officially known as Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Island. Located just a short ferry ride from Port Blair, this island was once the administrative headquarters of the British during their rule in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Today, it stands as a poignant reminder of a bygone era, with crumbling buildings and overgrown vegetation whispering tales of its vibrant past. Ross Island served as the British administrative center from 1858 until 1941, when an earthquake forced its abandonment. During its heyday, the island was a bustling hub with grand colonial buildings, including a church, a hospital, a bakery, a swimming pool, and even a printing press. The island was self-sufficient, with its own power plant and water supply. However, after the earthquake and subsequent Japanese occupation during World War II, the island was never rebuilt, leaving behind the atmospheric ruins that we see today. Visitors can wander through the ruins of the old buildings, imagining life as it once was on this isolated island. The remnants of the church, the chief commissioner's residence, and the barracks are particularly evocative. A small museum on the island provides further insights into its history. A light and sound show in the evening brings the island's past to life. While Ross Island doesn't have a culinary tradition of its own, you can find food stalls near the ferry terminal in Port Blair offering local Indian cuisine and seafood.